Viral Loop
Definition
Viral Loop: A viral loop is a growth mechanism where existing users bring in new users through sharing or invitation. The viral coefficient (K-factor) measures how many new users each existing user generates. Products with K>1 grow exponentially; most products aim for viral loops that supplement other growth channels.
Example Usage
“Our viral loop: invite teammates to collaborate → they see value → they invite their teammates. K-factor of 0.4 drives 40% of new users.”
Common Misconceptions
Related Terms
Growth Loops
Growth loops are self-reinforcing cycles where outputs of the system become inputs that fuel further growth. Unlike linear funnels, loops compound—eac...
Referral Program
A referral program incentivizes existing customers to recommend your product to others, typically offering rewards to both the referrer and referred....
Network Effects
Network effects occur when a product becomes more valuable as more people use it. Direct network effects mean users benefit from other users (social n...
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